OETHOPTEEA. 



CHAPTEK I. 



The word Orthoptera signifies Straight-wings, and is given to 

 this order of insects because their wings are not capable of 

 being folded crosswise, as is the case with the Beetles and 

 Earwigs. The elytra are soft, leathery, strongly veined, and 

 cross each other at their tips, and the true wings are gathered 

 under them in longitudinal folds, like those of a fan, the tips 

 frequently projecting ft'om under the elytra. The larvae and 

 pupae resemble the perfect insect in shape, but do not possess 

 wings, and the pupa has no quiescent stage, but is as active as 

 the larva or perfect insect, therein differing essentially from 

 the Beetles. In consequence of the soft texture of the wing- 

 covers, some entomologists have suggested that the name ' teg- 

 mina ' be substituted for ' elytra.' I cannot, however, admit 

 the necessity for such alteration, and shall therefore retain the 

 word elytra. 



This order of insects is tolerably well represented in this 

 country, and some of its members are so numerous and so dis- 

 agreeable that we should be very glad to dispense with them 

 altogether. Our English Orthoptera may be classed under the* 

 general terms of Cockroaches, Grasshoppers, and Crickets ; 

 while in other countries we find the strange ' Walking-stick ' 

 insects. Soothsayers, and Leaf-insects. A few examples will 

 serve to illustrate the British Orthoptera. 



Mr. Westwood divides all the Orthoptera into four sections. 

 First come the Cursoria, or runners, of which the Cockroach is 

 a familiar example. Then come the Raptoria, or snatchers, 

 such as the Mantis or praying insect, which have the first pair 

 of legs developed into instruments of prehension. The third 



